In Vitro Efficacy Assessment of Some Toothpastes and Miswak against Streptococcus Mutans

Background Tooth decay is a common chronic childhood disease of children aged 5 to 17 years. Streptococcus mutans (S muutans) is one of the causative agents. It is a preventable disease by oral hygiene, which include toothpastes and Salvadora persicain (Miswak). Objective This study evaluates the effect of some toothpastes and Salvadora persicain on S mutans microorganism. Methods AloeDent and Crest toothpastes were tested against S mutans on Muller Hinton agar (MHA). Followed by testing of Miswak against the same bacteria in three different preparations. Results Crest toothpaste showed minimal effect against the bacteria. Miswak tests gave significant results. Conclusion Miswak can be proposed as a good natural preventive anti S mutans agent. Toothpastes need attention and investigation by Saudi food and drug authority.